Three and a half years ago, when the Atlanta Journal-Constitution first hired me to write about Gwinnett, I had what I consider a rudimentary understanding of city and county government. I understood zoning issues and the importance of staying on top of legislation affecting issues like education and traffic.
Like most residents, I’ve learned to keep a skeptical eye on elected officials. I’ve watched, along with my neighbors, as our former county commission chair Shirley Lassiter was convicted of accepting bribes and sent off to prison.
With great interest, I’ve watched as Snellville city government seemingly struggles to get anything accomplished between lawsuits filed by the mayor against the city council, city attorney and city manager. More than one council member has admitted the animosity between council members and the mayor results in virtually no interaction except at public meetings. Frankly, all you need to do is watch the city’s video recordings of each council meeting to see the tension.
I’m just as surprised anyone would willingly run for office. Our small town mayors and council members choose to serve. They don’t do this for the salary. The Snellville mayor receives $6,000 annually. Council members are compensated $4,000. That probably doesn’t cover their fuel bill driving to and from events each year. Perhaps they gain exposure for their personal businesses, or thrive on the power of being an elected official.
Yet the more time I spend getting to know these public officials, the more amazed I am by how, for the most part, their hearts are in the right place.
In the process of looking closer at the Snellville city council’s infighting, I’ve learned each council member has latched onto an individual initiative to improve the community. Council Member Dave Emanuel supports Give Hunger The Boot to provide assistance to the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-operative. Since 2012, their efforts have raised in excess of $50,000 in food and financial support.
According to Emanuel, despite an improving economy, the need for assistance has grown. For many families, unemployment benefits have run out. The co-op assisted 187 families in 2012. In 2014 more than 300 families were helped.
Snellville city council members also faithfully support each other’s initiatives, causes all designed to better the municipality — from supporting small business owners to preventing drunk driving.
Snellville city government has had its share of bad press, much of it, unfortunately, well deserved. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find Snellville elected officials, much like all our city’s officials, are actively working together to improve their community. Doesn’t mean I won’t be watching.
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